The Alpha Bible Study course has been given one its greatest endorsements earlier this week as the Archbishop of Canterbury launched the latest series of the program.

Alpha has announced that so far in its history, it has brought the Bible to more than 1.5 million people. However, many have criticised this method of promoting the course, as it is thought that this line of thought aligns the program too closely with the commercial world.

Rev Rowan Williams, the present Archbishop of Canterbury poured praise on the Alpha group for helping to boost congregation sizes during the new program launch in Holborn, central London. Following this endorsement, the Alpha team is set to now launch a new advertising campaign to promote themselves, with a total budget of £1 million.

The Alpha course comprises of Bible study sessions; these are advertised as a chance to explore the meaning of life. The sessions usually begin with a supper, including a short service, a talk and a group study discussion.

The flow of the discussions is greatly varied, but topics can include such things as asking whether Christianity is boring, untrue and irrelevant. Issue can also be directed more towards discussing and teaching how to pray.

The Alpha courses are held in churches, prisons, among students, youth and also people working in the forces.

Although the Alpha course has received some criticism for its marketing schemes, it is and has in the past been backed fully by the Anglican Church. Three years ago, whilst the organisation was still attempting to make its first real marketing drive, the former Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr George Carey gave the course his blessings, as he described the course as “superb”.